Tuesday's A.M. Hot Clicks: Bengals Beat Up Broncos, Clinch Playoff Spot
I'm back from mini-vacation. Thanks to Pete Blackburn for filling in. The plan for the rest of week is two versions of Hot Clicks today and one on Wednesday, Thursday (special Christmas edition!) and Friday.
Bengals Win. Peyton Struggles.
Chris Harris and Jeremy Hill :: Getty Images
Peyton Manning continued his December swoon, throwing four interceptions as the Bengals disposed of the Broncos, 37-28. The victory clinches a playoff berth for Cincinnati and eliminates Denver from the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. Jeremy Hill rushed for 147 rushing yards but nearly pulled the "celebrate and accidentally fumble ball before crossing goal line" move on this 85-yard TD run. The play left Mike Tirico tongue-tied. Afterwards, Broncos running backC.J. Anderson paid tribute to Marshawn Lynch with his postgame interview.
Miami Beach Brawl
Memphis DB DaShaugn Terry intercepted a pass at the end of double-overtime to give the Tigers a 55-48 victory over BYU in the inaugural Miami Beach Bowl. The game, however, will be remembered for the brawl that broke out after the final play. The fight appeared to start after a Memphis player threw a punch at someone on BYU, which led to sidelines clearing, helmets swinging, blood dripping and a cheap shot that may lead to an expulsion.
And Now For Something Positive
Michigan guard Austin Hatch, who has one of the craziest and saddest back stories of anyone in college sports, scored his first official career points during the Wolverines' victory over Coppin State last night. Also on the positive news front, Raiders offensive lineman Menelik Watson donated one of his game checks ($18,000) to the family of a four-year-old girl living with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Lovely Lady of the Day
Ashley Doris is trying to get her Twitter followers back. The least I can do is make her LLOD and help the cause (click here for full-size gallery).
Those Crazy Lopez Brothers
Big week for the Lopez Brothers. On Saturday, Robin Lopez addressed the rumor that he's dating Khloe Kardashian in a funny, self-deprecating statement that made me love Robin Lopez. Not to be outdone, Brook spoke to the media yesterday and begged Star Wars creator George Lucas and new director J.J. Abrams to cast him as a wookiee in one of the new Star Wars films. Also worth noting: The Lopez brothers have a slight obsession with Michael Jackson.
Serena Williams Meets a Fan
Throwback Uniform of the Day
Grandma of the Year
Did That Actually Go In?
From the SI Vault
Dennis Rodman and Eddie Vedder :: Getty Images
Happy 50th Birthday to the great Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. In this 1996 photo, the famous singer poses with Dennis Rodman after the Bulls defeated the Sonics to capture the NBA Championship. Though Pearl Jam is famously from Seattle, Vedder was raised in Chicago and remains a loyal Windy City sports fan. For more classic sports photos, visit the SI Vault on Twitter.
Odds & Ends
Nick Young received a 1962 Chevy Impala as an early Christmas present from girlfriend Iggy Azalea ... The top MLB Vines of 2014 ... Wisconsin is hiring a new football coach and the school has received some memorable applications ... The Patriots owe UC San Diego a bunch of money ... The Connor Shaw Era is about to begin in Cleveland ... A look at NBA player popularity vs. NBA player efficiency ... A New York Man cryogenically froze his wife with money from his $5 million Ponzi scheme ... Cameron Diaz is engaged to the dude with all the bad neck tattoos from Good Charlotte ... Make sure your dog stays away from this guy's lawn.
Pau Gasol Sings Imagine
Is that the Bulls forward or John Lennon? Hard to tell.
Young Jeezy's Biggest Fan
Jay Bilas explains his love for the rapper.
Ice Fishing in Canada
Rod from Calgary sent in this gem. Do these people get cold??
R.I.P. Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker passed away on Monday at the age of 70. Here is a 1970 performance of The Letter.
